h amusement, or had performed their part in
some magical incantation or religious ceremony of the natives. I am the
more inclined to think it was the latter, as there was a native grave
near, covered with the same kind of flat stones, to the height of about
three feet. We had not before observed anything like it, neither did we
afterwards. Several flights of large curlews were seen passing over the
boat, and resting on the flats in its neighbourhood. Whilst endeavouring
to procure some of them, I was placed in a sufficiently awkward position,
running the risk of becoming myself a fresh meal instead of procuring
one.

NARROW ESCAPE FROM AN ALLIGATOR.

I had stripped to swim across a creek, and with gun in hand was
stealthily crawling to the outer edge of the flat where my intended
victims were, when an alligator rose close by, bringing his unpleasant
countenance much nearer than was agreeable. My gun was charged with shot,
and the primitive state of nudity to which I had just reduced myself,
precluded the possibility of my having a second load. To fire therefore
was useless, and to retreat difficult, for I had wandered from the boat
some distance across the bank, on which the water was fast rising.
Thought, there was no time for, and before my companions could have
reached me, the tide would have flooded the place sufficiently to enable
the alligator to attack me at a disadvantage. My only chance of escaping
the monster was to hasten back to the boat, and to cross the last creek
before the alligator, who appeared fully aware of my intentions. It was
now, therefore, a mere matter of speed between us, and the race began. I
started off with the utmost rapidity, the alligator keeping pace with me
in the water. After a sharp and anxious race, I reached the last creek,
which was now much swollen; while the difficulty of crossing was
aggravated by my desire to save my gun. Plunging in I reached the
opposite shore just in time to see the huge jaws of the alligator
extended close above the spot where I had quitted the water. My
deliverance was providential, and I could not refrain from shuddering as
I sat gaining breath upon the bank after my escape, and watching the
disappointed alligator lurking about as if still in hopes of making his
supper upon me. Waiting till the monster came close, I took a deliberate
aim at his eye, which had only the effect of frightening him a little.

The wind, which was light, blew from the North-E